In the heart of Mondo Valencia, they're on every utility pole, parking meter, fire hydrant and SF Weekly box. The purposes range from the purely political to the clearly egocentric. But all these tags and stickers add that gritty urban feel to this theme park we call home. And many, if you stop to look, are actually quite clever and, dare we say, "artistic." Here's a sampling of what's on display right now at the corner of 16th and Valencia.

Seen any other works of street art you think the kids should know about? Done some yourself? Help us catalog the scene in future issues by sending a photo (or at least the location) to Real Art c/o San Francisco Metropolitan, 1776A 18th St., SF, 94107 (or email us: [email protected]).